Anybody who truly grasps style is able to shop at a multitude of stores, price points, and designers. Stores like H&M, Zara, Mango, and ASOS produce fashion, consistent with current runway pieces. Coveted brands including Missoni, Balmain, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Erdem, and many others have collaborated with stores, producing exclusive pieces for the mass market. With reasonable pricing, large inventory, and weekly, new collections, are we actually spending more than buying designer labels?

Each time I shop for a client, I make my way to Zara. Losing inhibition, and without hesitation, I mindlessly grab every item, without looking at a price tag. My last visit, I discovered an argyle sweater identical to the one worn in the fall Christian Dior show. I tried on a Chelsea boot, indistinguishable to a pair by The Row, and found a purse matching bottega venta’s iconic pattern. I left the store carrying two large shopping bags, and had spent close to $600 dollars. Enthusiasticly, I headed straight to my closet, hung up my new pieces, and began to put together outfits. Organizing my new inventory, I noticed more Zara merchandise with tags still attached, some bought weeks ago, others months. Stunned and disappointed in myself, I faced the reality of my Zara addiction.

Along with my in person visit, additionally I was receiving weekly shipments. I spent anywhere from $250-$700 shopping in store and online. I had spent thousands of dollars and because the majority was purchased over 14-days, there were no returns, exchanges or price adjustments, only remorse and empty consumption.

I thought about how I got to this point. I always had been recognized for being a practical and savvy consumer. I am disciplined and go to the sale rack first, I am patient, and don’t buy because there is a sale. I can predict when and which items will be marked down. So why do I lose my judgment and become reckless in these types of stores?

I could not recall going to Zara, H&M, etc. when I needed something specific. Instead the inventory was unpredictable and exciting, but the prices were consistent. I did not have to wait for a sale, and ironically many people, including myself prefer not to go into such stores during sale time, due to its chaotic nature. I needed a new set of rules for this breed of store.

Six steps to not ending up in six figures of debt

1. If shopping online and you cannot remember what is in the cart, do not buy. Obviously they were not special enough if you don’t remember anymore.
2. Only go into the stores if you need something
3. Simply because it’s a lower priced store, does not make it ok to buy .
4. Wear clothing you have not worn yet, before buying new ones.
5. Be careful whom you shop with, a real friend can tell you when to stop.
6. Don’t forget about your favorite higher end stores. It is better to buy one thing instead of 10 things. Most likely you will end up spending less and feel more gratification.